Our initial idea was to do one site which would cover lots of great gambling destinations and give recommendations – and hot deal alerts! -  on where to stay, places to dine, where to shop and what sight-seeing and special events were not to be missed.  We’ve now decided that there is so much to see and do in so many of the good gambling spots we visit that it would best serve our readers to build some additional websites focusing on specific destinations.

With that in mind, we are pleased to announce our first “sister” site, AZCasinoTravel.com.  With 23 casinos spread throughout the state plus so many special things to do and see here in the Grand Canyon State, we felt we had more than enough to work with in building an info-packed site for visitors to our beautiful state. In addition to our casino guide and reviews, we’ll also keep readers up-to-date on the best deals on Arizona hotels, dining, golf, shopping and all types of vacation activities.

This new site is the first in what will be a family of websites our readers can go to for help in planning a casino trip that includes not only where to play but also where to stay, dine, shop, play golf and more.  (We think you’ll find these sites helpful in planning any trip to the specific destination – with or without gaming!)

Also, because these sites will be more location-oriented, we hope our readers will feel comfortable in asking for suggestions, posing questions and leaving comments about each spot we feature.

Click on the name – AZCasinoTravel – to visit our new site now and let us know what you think!

Related posts:

1. Favorite Slot Machine, Hot Topics at “Slot Manager” Site The iconic Bally’s Blazing 7s machine and Vision Gaming‘s old-time...
2. Phoenix Casino Guide for Valley Bowl Game Visitors Check out our new “sister” site:  AZCasinoTravel.com for all your...
3. Free Casino-Style Games to Play Online Hi -  I have played these games (the Bally’s games...

A pre-dinner cocktail in this red and gold jewelbox of a lounge at Wynn Encore is perfect for Valentine's Day.

Romance, NBA basketball –  “Love & Basketball,” anyone? — Friday the 13^th and President’s Day all wrapped into one spectacular three-day weekend.  And you, you’re still waiting for a reason to go to Las Vegas?  I don’t even know where to start to tell you about all the cool things you can plan for a Valentine’s Day weekend trip to Las Vegas.

Okay, I lied; I do know where to start. Let’s begin with some romance, Las Vegas-style, and where you might think about staying for this Valentine’s Day with your honey.  (Hey, guys, you had your Super Bowl Sunday so now it’s time to grab your best girl and head back to Vegas for a different kind of fun!)

Top Romantic Hotels in Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas and/or Wynn Encore – We’re putty in Steve Wynn’s hands when it comes to all that glitz and glamour plus all the RED used throughout the new Encore will make you think you’ve landed inside a giant scarlet satin heart.  (If you can walk through that place and not think about romance and Valentine’s Day, we’ll need to check your pulse on the way out.)  Add in some of the best, most indulgent restaurants on the Strip – Alex, Botero, SW, Bartolotta –  luxurious spas, and the hottest new “ultra-club” in town, XS, and you’ve got the makings of a memorable weekend without ever leaving the two adjoining properties.

Bellagio -  Elegance personified not only in the rooms but throughout the entire hotel.  Yards of jewel-toned silk swags in the casino; an indoor garden that just begs to be strolled while hand-in-hand with your SO; a virtual chocoholic’s wonderland at Jean-Philippe Patisserie plus a shopping gallery full of baubles and bangles perfectly poised for gift-giving  (be sure to check out the heart-shaped charms at Tiffany’s) all contribute to a sophisticated yet utterly romantic atmosphere.

The Palazzo – All brocades and crystal, marble columns and burnished gilt — this younger sister to the flashier Venetian is like the Little Black Dress of Vegas resorts.  Understated, timeless and yet fashionable with enough pizzazz – LAVO Bar and Restaurant, Jersey Boys in the showroom, a Canyon Ranch Spa and Barneys New York in the shopping arcade – to never be boring.  (If your sweetie loves shoes – duh! – let her shop the displays at Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin for a guaranteed winner of a Valentine’s Day gift.)

Paris Las Vegas -  Huh?  Are we kidding?  Au contraire, mon ami.  We’re suckers for that whole French vibe, fake as it may be.  (Uh, this is Vegas, remember?  Fake is this town’s middle name.)  Give us  steaks at Les Artistes, the Forest Fruits berries and cream concoction at Le Creperie, dinner or simply drinks at the Eiffel Tower restaurant with its magnificent view of the City and, our favorite three-hour lunch spot, Mon Ami Gabi  just off the front entrance, and we are saying merci and beau coup with the best of them.  (And, let’s face it, we’re Harrah’s Total Rewards Club® members and get great deals here!)

Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa – Nope, not on the Strip, but with its own very hip, very romantic vibe, a “get-away-from-it-all” feeling, and a great selection of restaurants:  the T-Bones Chophouse is a favorite of locals while Cabo Mexican Restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding red rock landscape.  And bars, particularly the Hollywood- chic Cherry nightclub, one of the most popular clubs in Vegas even without a Strip address.  (Plus, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t call a cab, spend a night enjoying the Strip and then head back to “the Rock” for your own very private celebration.)

Next post, we’ll give you some romantic spots for dinner a deux while you’re in town.

Related posts:

1. Truly, Madly, Cheaply — A Valentine’s Day Celebration for Less In honor of Valentine’s Day, we were going to run...
2. Treat Mom to “Vegas Uncork’d” for A Gourmet Mother’s Day Weekend Calling all foodies!  Tickets for the culinary festival, Vegas Uncork’d,...
3. Venetian, Palazzo in Las Vegas Offer Sweet Suite Deals in February Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes this super offer...

A gorgeous view of the mountains and a moonlit Colorado River as seen from Harrah's in Laughlin.

I think one of the best ways to recall a year is to sort through the photos I’ve taken over the past twelve months.  They bring back lots of great memories either through the specific image or by tweaking my brain into remembering what all happened on that occasion.  To break down a whole year into a few paragraphs isn’t easy, especially when I’m fortunate enough to say lots of great stuff happened in the past twelve months.  So rather than doing a monthly blow-by-blow, I chose to pick out some highlights from our year in gaming.

Best Casino “Hits”:  P.B. – Dealt four 4′s then hit for two out of three kickers on the draw playing Triple Double Bonus Spin Poker Deluxe™ with a payout of $1190.  C.C. – Dealt four 3′s and a kicker playing TDB Spin Poker Deluxe™ with a $1600 payout.

Best Discovery:  The Diamond Lounge patio over-looking the Colorado River at Harrah’s Laughlin, Nevada casino.  A great spot for relaxing with a drink, especially on a warm full-moon night.

Second-Best Discovery:  Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas with its selection of video poker machines and its very cool pool area.  (Yes, we know it’s been there all along but we usually stay and play on the Strip so this was a big “ah-hah” moment for us.  You’ll see more here on off-Strip properties this coming year.)

Most Surprising Stay:  Harrah’s Joliet casino.  Beautiful spacious room, really nice Diamond Lounge, and a winning night in the casino.

Best High-End Meal in Las Vegas:  BOA Steakhouse at Caesars Palace.  Meltingly tender steaks, truffled potato chips and for dessert – warm, crispy donuts with caramel dipping sauce.

Best Casual Meal in Las Vegas:  Lunch at our perennial favorite, Mon Ami Gabi at Paris, with chicken liver pate, sautéed trout with capers and chocolate-drenched profiteroles for Le Dessert.

Best New Spot in Las Vegas:  The Double Helix Wine Bar at the Palazzo.

Best Las Vegas Dessert:  A tie between the Lemon Tart ice cream at  Sugar & Ice at the Wynn and the Chocoban Tart at Jean-Philippe Patisserie at The Bellagio.  (Thankfully, much more research is needed for this category in 2009.)

Best Meal at a Casino Not in Las Vegas:  The Indian Fry Bread plate at Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde, Arizona.  (Good doesn’t have to be expensive.)

Most Memorable Night in Las Vegas:  Attending a surprise party at Table 10, Emeril’s new restaurant at The Palazzo, for our friend’s sixtieth birthday.  Friends and family from across the country showed up and the look on her face when she saw all of us was priceless.

2008 Will be Memorable for:  Starting this website, RoyallyFlushed, and for all the new experiences we’ve had, things we’ve learned and friends we’ve made because of it.

Related posts:

1. 10 Great Tips for Getting the Best Hotel Deals in Las Vegas How do you get the best hotel deals when you...
2. Black Friday Shopping? No, This Was Way More Fun Than Shopping So it’s now the Sunday evening after Thanksgiving and I...
3. More Great Las Vegas Dining Deals In this Part 2 of our “Top Las Vegas Chefs...

Among all the visitors coming into Phoenix for the upcoming Insight and Fiesta bowls happening here in Arizona next week, there are bound to be a lot of casino gaming fans.  For those who like to play, here is a list of our Phoenix and Scottsdale area casinos along with casino-related info on dining, lounges, shows, golf opportunities and more.

Harrah's Ak-Chin is one of several Phoenix area casinos visitors can choose from to play slots, poker and more.

Casino Arizona:  Two locations, both of which are just off the Loop 101 freeway making them very accessible to all the major hotels and resorts.  Free limo service available by calling 480-850-7790.

Casino Arizona at Talking Stick:  Loop 101 freeway at the Indian Bend Road exit.  This is the casino most convenient to our north Phoenix/Scottsdale mega-resorts like the Fairmont Scottsdale, J.W. Marriott at Desert Ridge, Westin Kierland Resort or any of the hotels on Scottsdale Road north of Lincoln Drive.

• – This is the place for poker players.  Large gaming room with 50+ tables, big screen TVs, table-side food service.  Lots of Scottsdale locals play here.
• – High-limit room for slots and table games.
• – Try the Blue Coyote Grill for their spicy stir-frys.
• – Good selection of slots plus lots of video poker and vp variations including a 25¢ progressive.
• – Blazing 7′s machines near the 50-play video poker machines seem to pay well.
• – Golf:  Talking Stick Golf Course

Casino Arizona at McKellips:  Loop 101 freeway at the McKellips Road exit.  Convenient to Tempe, the Loop 202 plus central and Old Town Scottsdale.

• – More than 1,000 slot and video poker machines including lots of new games.
• – Fun Vegas-style variety show —  ”Showstoppers Live” — is a musical tribute show with Elvis, Madonna and other impersonators.
• – High-end steakhouse “Cholla” offers pricy but excellent food, a great wine list and is open until midnight on weekends.
• – The Piano Bar is a classy spot for a glass of wine and some good laid-back music.

Gila River Lone Butte Casino:  Loop 202 at the Kyrene Road exit.  Close to Chandler and the I-10 freeway.  Good location if you are staying along the I-10 freeway.

• – Arizona’s newest casino (opened November 20) offers 850 slot machines, live blackjack, casino bingo, and poker.  Games include Fortune Pai Gow Poker^® Progressive, Let It Ride Three-Card Bonus^® and Three-Card Poker^® plus slots like the hot new eBay™ and Star Trek™ machines.
• – The gourmet Verona Chophouse restaurant menu spotlights aged beef while the adjacent cozy wine bar has a good list of bottles to chose from.
• – Cascades Lounge is hopping with live entertainment nightly.
• – High-limit room with slots and tables.

Gila River Wild Horse Pass Casino:  I-10 freeway at Wild Horse Pass Boulevard exit and just a couple of miles from the Lone Butte casino.

• – Home to 875 slot machines, live poker, blackjack, keno and a 1500 seat high-stakes bingo room.
• – Next door to the very popular Arizona attraction, Rawhide Western Town, with its famous steakhouse and Wild West shows.
• – Park at the nearby Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort where you can dine at a number of restaurants including “Kai” — one of only two Five Diamond restaurants in all of Arizona – then take a flat-bottom boat ride to the casino.  (This is one of our favorite evenings out!)
• –Golf:  Whirlwind Golf Club with two courses.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino:  It’s a drive out to the town of Maricopa (about 40 minutes from Sky Harbor airport, exit Queen Creek Road off the I-10 freeway) but may be worth it if you are a Harrah’s Total Rewards Club® member wanting to get credit for your play.

• – New slot games like the popular Wizard of Oz™ plus lots of Super Times Pay™ video poker machines bring Phoenix players out to play.
• – The Range Steakhouse – a Harrah’s favorite – offers prime rib, lamb chops plus good seafood options like the sea scallops in chive butter.
• – Live poker, keno, blackjack and bingo as well as slots.
• – On the way, stop at Arena Sports Bar in Maricopa for some of the best Buffalo wings in Arizona.

Fort McDowell Casino:  Located about 20 minutes from Scottsdale near the town of Fountain Hills, this casino is most convenient for those staying in north Phoenix or Scottsdale.  The trip is worth it simply for the spectacular scenery you’ll see driving out on Shea Boulevard to the Beeline Highway and the casino.

• – New slots like Star Trek™ and Wizard of Oz™ plus lots of video poker machines including a $.25 progressive.  Largest “smoke-free” gaming area in town.
• – Lots of dining options including the sophisticated Anhala Restaurant at the adjacent Radisson Fort McDowell resort.  (The fish tacos with watermelon salsa are outstanding.)
• – Live entertainment in the Lucky Sevens Lounge.
• – Golf:  Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Course.

Related posts:

1. Casino Arizona Construction Update Casino Arizona is moving right along with construction of its...
2. Weekend Events Around Phoenix Casinos Lots of fun things to do this weekend in and...
3. Gila River’s New Lone Butte Casino Opens to Enthusiastic Crowd So what does it sound like when every one of...

Dale Chihuly's exquisite art glass adorns the ceiling at The Bellagio in Las Vegas. (Click on the photo to show detail.)

I have been a huge Dale Chihuly fan for years.  Even before seeing his masterful installation at The Bellagio in Las Vegas, I had admired his bold work at exhibitions in Washington, D.C. and in New York.  I even have a beautiful peach and gold  “Chihuly” rose bush in my garden — which is about as close as I’ll ever come to owning anything with his name on it.

So you can imagine how excited I was to see that his fanciful glass works are now being shown here in Phoenix at our beloved Desert Botanical Gardens.  Whether you are visiting the area or a resident, fans of his Bellagio work will definitely want to plan a visit to the gardens to see “Chihuly: The Nature of Glass.”  It should be especially interesting to see his intricate works of art set against a backdrop of our stark native plants. 

The show will be here until May 31, 2009, so there’s plenty of time to plan a trip to the gardens.  Advance tickets are mandatory so visit the garden’s website for more information and to see some gorgeous pictures of just a few of the wildly colorful pieces included in this exhibit.

Related posts:

1. Bellagio gardens dazzle in summer finery A visit to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is...
2. Nighttime is the right time to see the Bellagio’s divine garden display No matter how busy we are during our trips to...
3. An In-Depth Read on How Slot Machines Work from Your Friends at Discovery From the “look what I came across searching the Web”...

Harrah's Ak-Chin casino in Maricopa, AZ.

Harrah’s was actually pretty crowded Friday, probably due in part to people using the free slot play coupons — good for the holiday weekend only – like the $100 ones P.B. and I had just received in the mail.  (Way to get people in the doors, Ak-Chin marketing!)  Plus Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are when the qualifying drawings are held for the $1,000,000 giveaway finale coming up on December 28 at Ak-Chin so I’m sure lots of players came out for that, too.

We had a fun day at Harrah’s — much more fun than slogging through the stores looking for some Holy Grail of gifts.  We each started out playing Triple Double Bonus games on nickel Spin Poker Deluxe™ and not hitting much at first but then the cards started coming and we each hit for some aces, some deuces, and then threes with a kicker.  I even hit for a Royal Flush in hearts.  P.B. had the “best pay of the day” (we always have a fun competition going between us) with his four aces and a kicker on two lines which paid a little over $440.  We stayed most of the afternoon and left with a little more than we walked in with so a good trip in more ways than one. 

Oh, and on a side note, the bank of new Wizard of Oz™ slot machines was crazy-crowded with people gathered around watching the players and rooting them on during bonus rounds.  People love these new Wizard of Oz machines!  Guess you have to get there early to snag a seat at one. 

The rest of the weekend I’ve spent pulling together the holiday “Gift Guide“ along with the other gift suggestions you’ll find here on our site — all for you to give to the players on your holiday list.  The Internet is a wide and wonderful place if you know where to look!

And how did you spend your holiday weekend?  Get any gaming in you want to tell us about?

Related posts:

1. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Asks “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Someone will be a new millionaire on December 28th when...
2. Head to Harrah’s Ak-Chin for this Super Promo Just a quick Sunday “drive-by” post for players in the...
3. There’s No Whining in Video Poker Recently, on a visit to a local Arizona casino, I had...

With lights that change colors like an Arizona sunset, a soaring canopy greets visitors to the new Lone Butte Casino in Chandler, Arizona.

So what does it sound like when every one of a casino’s 850 slot machines are ALL being played at once?  You would know – or you would have heard – if you were at the grand opening yesterday of Gila River’s new Lone Butte Casino in Chandler, Arizona.  Casino-goers flocked to the handsome new gaming facility for a first look and to try their luck at one of the new machines.  Guests not seated in front of a machine or at one of the 24 table games milled around eagerly waiting for the opportunity to play.  Even the new “High Limit” area was crowded with players hoping to hit it big.

The Gila River Community is to be commended on this classy addition to the Phoenix gaming scene.  The interior is light and bright and highlighted by the use of natural materials like sandstone.  Shimmering walls of water surround the aptly-named, Cascades Lounge.  In the center of the casino, another water feature –this time a playful fountain — is the focal point of an outdoor courtyard.  Serving as a seating area for both the casual 24/7 Cafe on one side as well as the more formal Verona Chophouse opposite, this lovely outdoor space is perfect for taking a break from all the bells and whistles inside.  Another gem here is the cozy round wine bar adjoining Verona with a design reminiscent of a Napa Valley tasting room. 

Slot players will love this new casino.  Lots of games — both snappy new video reels as well as old favorites — in all kinds of denominations, will keep players happy.  There are the new eBay™ slots, free-spin favorites like Golden Chariots and the perennial fav — Wheel of Fortune®. 

Check it out yourself if you live in or plan on visiting Phoenix soon.  Lone Butte is located at Kyrene Road and the Loop 202 in Chandler.

Related posts:

1. New Gila River Casino on Pace to Open November 20 The new Gila River casino, Lone Butte, at Loop 202...
2. Gila River to Debut Exciting New Arizona Casino November 20 When the clock strikes 3 pm on November 20, the...
3. Two New Indian Casinos Opening This Week Into the doom and gloom surrounding the gaming industry’s biggest players...

Wednesday, the Navajo Nation, America’s largest Indian tribe, will open their first casino, the $30 million Fire Rock Casino near Gallup, New Mexico.  The 65,000 square-foot space will feature a bingo hall, blackjack and poker tables as well as 400+ slot machines and marks the end of a long road to bring gaming to the Navajo tribe.

A day later and 275 miles away, the Gila River Indian Community will celebrate the opening of their newly-expanded Lone Butte Casino in Chandler, Arizona.  Gila River’s new Lone Butte Casino, located at Kyrene and the Loop 202, will offer players more than 120,000 square-feet of casino space including 850 slot machines, live blackjack, bingo, poker and six dining outlets. 

In other Indian gaming news, the expanded Cherokee Casino at West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma opened for business on November 10.  The new casino is a 200,000-square-foot facility housing more than 1,000 games plus numerous dining and entertainment areas.

Related posts:

1. Gila River to Debut Exciting New Arizona Casino November 20 When the clock strikes 3 pm on November 20, the...
2. New Gila River Casino on Pace to Open November 20 The new Gila River casino, Lone Butte, at Loop 202...
3. Gila River’s New Lone Butte Casino Opens to Enthusiastic Crowd So what does it sound like when every one of...

At Fort McDowell, enjoy the Orme Dam Victory Days celebration including a powwow and the All-Indian Rodeo with bull riding, calf roping and more.  East of Fountain Hills off Arizona 87 east of Fort McDowell Road (follow the signs). The carnival starts tonight at 5 p.m. and events continue through Nov. 16.  Complete calendar here.

Fountain Hills Festival of Arts & Crafts — One of the largest and most well-attended fairs, this fest offers guests a chance to pick up some unique holiday gifts, artwork, jewelry and other handmade items.  Food and live music, too.  Friday – Sunday.  Details at the Fountain Hills Chamber  site.  Stop at the nearby Fort McDowell Casino for some gaming fun and a visit to their popular Lucky & Saloon. 

Talking Stick Golf Club Wine Dinner – Saturday night event featuring wines from two vintners, The Long Meadow Ranch and Dutton-Goldfield Winery, paired with a four-course menu created especially to complement the wines.  You’ll be right near the Casino Arizona Indian Bend location (and their famous poker tables) if you want to play a little.

Rawhide Western Town — Check out the Friday night Bull Riding competition or have dinner under the stars at the Saturday night Sundown Cookout featuring live music and dancing, story-telling, even a marshmallow roast!  Check out the nearby Gila River casino at Wild Horse Pass and chose from over 800 hot slot machines.

Related posts:

1. Fort McDowell Fall Events – Costumes & Country Music Looking for a fun Halloween party in the Phoenix area? ...
2. Phoenix Casino Guide for Valley Bowl Game Visitors Check out our new “sister” site:  AZCasinoTravel.com for all your...
3. Two New Indian Casinos Opening This Week Into the doom and gloom surrounding the gaming industry’s biggest players...

Workers recently installed this sign at the new Gila River Casino, Lone Butte.

The new Gila River casino, Lone Butte, at Loop 202 and Kyrene Road in Chandler, Arizona is coming together nicely for the scheduled November 20 opening date.  I am really looking forward to playing in this new Phoenix-area casino which is slated to have 850 slot machines, a 750-seat bingo hall, new high-limit player areas and exciting table games including Fortune Pai Gow Poker Progressive, Let It Ride Three-Card Bonus and Three-Card Poker.  And, for a non-smoker like me, the thought of a state-of-the-art smoke removal system built right into the facility makes me swoon.

In grand opening promotions, casino customers can play their favorite games for cash and prizes including a new Pontiac Soltice which will be given away on December 4th.  Prior to the main event car giveaway, the “Luck Has a New Home” promo will award cash prizes to players from 6 – 10 p.m., November 5, 12 — at the current Lone Butte location —  and on the 26th at the new casino.

The new Phoenix-area casino promises guests fun new slot games like eBay™ and Star Wars™ as well as popular favorites Wheel of Fortune® and Blazing 7′s. 

In addition to playing at the new casino, I am also looking forward to trying the new upscale Verona Chop House for either dinner — think certified Angus steaks and martinis — or for a relaxing Sunday Brunch. 

Maybe this Phoenix player will find a “new home.”

Related posts:

1. Gila River to Debut Exciting New Arizona Casino November 20 When the clock strikes 3 pm on November 20, the...
2. Gila River’s New Lone Butte Casino Opens to Enthusiastic Crowd So what does it sound like when every one of...
3. Two New Indian Casinos Opening This Week Into the doom and gloom surrounding the gaming industry’s biggest players...

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino gives players a "mystery multiplier" this Monday.

Just a quick Sunday “drive-by” post for players in the Phoenix area.  Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa has a terrific special promotion going on tomorrow – Monday – for Total Rewards Club (TRC) members.  Swipe your card at the Total Rewards center to receive a multiplier of 10x, 15x or even 20x on Bonus Reward Credits earned on play from 6 AM until midnight.  (The website reads 6 a.m. – 5:59 a.m. but I was told midnight when I called to check on details.) 

Be sure to swipe your card at the TRC desk BEFORE you begin play.  That’s also when you’ll learn your “mystery” multiplier. 

If you have any questions about this promo, be sure to ask a casino host or the folks working the TRC center desk. 

Good luck!

Related posts:

1. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Asks “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Someone will be a new millionaire on December 28th when...
2. Harrah’s Casinos Team Up with WMS Gaming for New Hot Slot Game Here’s a very smart move from Harrah’s Entertainment.  They’ve collaborated...
3. A Big Win at Harrah’s Ak-Chin P.B.:  “Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is announcing their Alaskan cruise contest...

While maybe not a fortune, Fort McDowell had $1200 waiting for me.

Sounds like an infomercial, doesn’t it?  The funny thing is – it’s true!   It happened to me this week at Fort McDowell Casino in Arizona and it proves – again – why you should use your player’s club card.

Earlier this week, P.B. and I decided to head out to “The Fort” to take advantage of some coupons that came in our quarterly “Fortune Club” mailers – one for $25 in cash, another for free dinners.  After we turned in our cash coupons, we sat down to play at a couple of All-Star Poker™ machines.   I chose the Spin Poker™ option – my favorite game – playing Double Double Bonus in the 10¢ denomination and, on my third hand, hit for a couple hundred dollars with four 2′s and a kicker.  About 10 hands later, I was dealt the ace, king, queen and ten of spades…held the four cards… held my breath…and YES!  Got the JACK for royal flushes on three lines and $400 x 3 = $1200 (and a W-9!) 

With the free dinners thrown in, this turned out to be a profitable trip for us and all because of a $25 coupon.  I think it’s more than we made in the stock market this week and a lot more fun!

There were a lot of people at the casino that same night, many of whom were cashing in coupons so The Fort’s promotion is paying off in terms of getting people in the door.  It would be nice to think that they – and casinos everywhere – would continue to offer decent incentives to frequent players, especially in this economy.  Jean Scott has a couple of really good articles this week on her blog at Anthony Curtis’ Las Vegas Advisor.  In an interesting post from October 18, she talks about the different ways casinos can react to the economic downturn and in a second post from October 23; she outlines some “Slot Club Changes.”  You’ll see, when you read them, how the two articles are related.

From my own perspective, while local casinos have no where near the competition that Las Vegas, Reno or Atlantic City casinos have, I would like to tell them that offering decent club incentives would keep frequent players coming in – good economy or bad.  Don’t give me $5 or $10 to show up – at midnight – or other ridiculously-low, crazily-limited “bonuses.”  You’ll weather the storm and build player loyalty to boot.  Win, win.

Related posts:

1. Casino Promotions in Over-Drive to Attract Gamblers Has your mailbox been as stuffed with casino offers as...
2. Checked Your Mail Lately? Casino AZ Offers FREE Breakfast or Dinner Keeping up their summer promotions program, Casino Arizona has sent...
3. Fort McDowell Fall Events – Costumes & Country Music Looking for a fun Halloween party in the Phoenix area? ...

Soon the ringing of slot machines will replace construction noise at the newest Arizona casino, Gila River's Lone Butte.

When the clock strikes 3 pm on November 20, the newest Arizona casino will open its doors to the public at the Loop 202 and Kyrene Road near the Phoenix suburb of Chandler.   Gila River’s new Lone Butte Casino will offer gamers more than 120,000 square-feet of casino entertainment including 850 slot machines, live blackjack, casino bingo, and a host of poker games including Fortune Pai Gow Poker^® Progressive, Let It Ride Three-Card Bonus^® and Three-Card Poker^®.

Slot machine aficionados will find both new casino slot games like eBay™ (see eBay™ photos here) as well as popular favorites such as Wheel of Fortune®, Star Wars^TM, and Blazing 7′s.  Casino bingo players will be treated to a 750-seat state-of-the-art bingo hall with both matinee and evening sessions. 

And Gila River planners have made sure players won’t go hungry while visiting the new casino by offering six restaurants in the expansive $60 million facility.  Visitors can choose from Venona Chophouse, Café 24/7, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Express, Tuscan Olive, Quiznos™ plus a quick-serve coffee shop featuring Starbucks™ coffee.

Looking for some live entertainment to complement your gaming?  Then visit the new Cascades Lounge evenings Thursday to Sunday for a variety of entertaining acts.

The Gila River Indian Community operates three Phoenix-area casinos including Wild Horse Pass, Vee Quiva and Lone Butte.  (The current Lone Butte casino at 56^th Street will be closed prior to the opening of the new casino.)

Look for more updates on the opening of Lone Butte as we draw closer to the big day!

Related posts:

1. New Gila River Casino on Pace to Open November 20 The new Gila River casino, Lone Butte, at Loop 202...
2. Gila River’s New Lone Butte Casino Opens to Enthusiastic Crowd So what does it sound like when every one of...
3. Two New Indian Casinos Opening This Week Into the doom and gloom surrounding the gaming industry’s biggest players...

Casino Arizona at Indian Bend - construction has progressed rapidly since this photo was taken in early September.

Casino Arizona is moving right along with construction of its new resort and spa at Indian Bend and the Loop 101.  Members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community are betting that this new 15-story resort featuring almost 500 rooms and a huge, 13,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art spa along with the location’s already-operating Talking Stick Golf Club will appeal to Scottsdale visitors looking for an activity and amenity-packed resort experience.

The centerpiece of the new resort near will be the casino with its 240,000 square-foot gaming floor featuring 800 slot machines, 50 poker tables, a Vegas-style off-track betting lounge, and a high-limit slots area.  When it comes time to dine or just relax with a cocktail, guests will be able to choose from among eight restaurants and 10 lounges.  Also, a new 750-seat showroom will bring live entertainment year-round to the venue. 

In addition to Scottsdale/Phoenix locals and vacationers, the new Casino Arizona Resort & Spa will also be courting the business and convention community by offering over 50,000 square-feet of meeting and expo space. 

Slated to open in December 2009, the new hotel will be privately operated by the community.  A “topping-off” ceremony was held earlier this week when members and invited guests gathered to celebrate the placement of the final beam onto the structure.  (The photo above was taken in late-summer.)

In addition to the Indian Bend location, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community also operates Casino Arizona at McKellips Road and the Loop 101 and hosts more than 7 million visits yearly at its two properties.

Related posts:

1. Arizona Casino Revenue Falls in Third Quarter Casino gaming revenue is down all over the country.  No...
2. Gila River to Debut Exciting New Arizona Casino November 20 When the clock strikes 3 pm on November 20, the...
3. Two New Indian Casinos Opening This Week Into the doom and gloom surrounding the gaming industry’s biggest players...

Win $1,000,000 at Harrah's Ak-Chin in Arizona.

Someone will be a new millionaire on December 28th when Harrah’s Ak-Chin casino in Maricopa, Arizona gives away the guaranteed $1,000,000 grand prize in their new “Win Your Million Dollars” promotion. 

Beginning October 31 (or October 29 for upper-level Total Rewards Club members), players can earn entries into weekly drawings with those winners then eligible for the big event drawing in late December.  The weekly cash drawings will be held  every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm. 

There’s lots of cash being given away, lots of opportunities to earn bonus entries and lots more “fine print” so for details be sure to get all the information at the promotions center at the casino.

Related posts:

1. Head to Harrah’s Ak-Chin for this Super Promo Just a quick Sunday “drive-by” post for players in the...
2. Arizona Casino Revenue Falls in Third Quarter Casino gaming revenue is down all over the country.  No...
3. Black Friday Shopping? No, This Was Way More Fun Than Shopping So it’s now the Sunday evening after Thanksgiving and I...

Casino carpeting features intricate designs, wild colors.

It’s nice to know I am not the only person fascinated with the over-the-top colorful designs on casino carpets.  I have to confess that while walking through a casino or down a hotel hallway, I have been known to run into people - as well as inanimate objects – because I am so focused on what’s under my feet.  The exhuberant colors and the intricate patterns never cease to entertain me.

Well, David G. Schwartz, who writes extensively about Las Vegas, gambling, and history has several photo pages on his website, The Die is Cast, devoted to current and defunct carpets at casinos throughout the U.S.  Who knew?  His gallery organizes the carpet photos mostly by location but if you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you’ll find his “Hall of Fame” page which features extinct carpets as well as extinct casinos…think Stardust and the Aladdin among others.

Schwartz is the Director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV and has a Ph.D. in United States history from UCLA.  Check out his website for lots of fascinating information.  After spending some time on his website, I definitely plan on purchasing his book, Roll the Bones, A History of Gambling.

Oh, and the carpet pictured above?  You can find it in all it’s dashing purple glory – at Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde, Arizona!

Related posts:

1. Free Casino-Style Games to Play Online Hi -  I have played these games (the Bally’s games...
2. Look Up — Caesars Palace Lobby Features Intricate Lighting Things may not be looking up in Las Vegas —...
3. Click Your Way through a History of Las Vegas By far, one of the coolest interactive maps I have ever...

Look for scary costumes at Fort McDowell Casino's Halloween bash.

Looking for a fun Halloween party in the Phoenix area?  How about one where you can win cash for your most creative costume?  Grown-up revelers can head to Fort McDowell Casino on October 30^th for their annual “Costume Bash” at the casino’s Lucky 7 Saloon.  Although we haven’t – as yet! – dressed up, P.B. and I have been to this event a couple of times and it really is a lot of fun.  You’ll see lots of elaborate costumes – both scary and funny – and you can dance the night away to live music starting at 9 PM.  Registration for the costume competition starts at 6 with judging from 9 to 11 PM and prize-winners announced at 11:30 PM.  Keep the evening’s celebration going by booking a night at the adjoining Radisson Fort McDowell - it looks like rooms are still available at this time.

Win a trip to the 2008 CMA's in Nashville.

Also this month, The Fort kicks off its “KMLE Country 108 CMA Trip Giveaway” promotion.  The Grand Prize is a 3 day/2 night trip for two to the 42^nd Annual Country Music Awards in Nashville.  The trip includes airfare, accommodations, tickets to the event and $200 cash.  Beginning October 20th, players club members can swipe their card for entries into the drawing which will be held on November 2nd at 7 PM.

Be sure to visit The Fort’s website for details on all upcoming events.

Related posts:

1. “The Fort” Offers an AZ Getaway at a Great Rate Whether you are planning a visit to Phoenix or you...
2. Weekend Events Around Phoenix Casinos Lots of fun things to do this weekend in and...
3. How To Turn a $25 Coupon into $1200 Sounds like an infomercial, doesn’t it?  The funny thing is...

Mountains surround the Verde Canyon Railroad depot in Clarkdale, Arizona.

The Verde Canyon Railroad Trip

I promise you that I am going to wax poetically while describing this trip – there is just no other way to do it justice.  If you live in Arizona and haven’t taken this trip – stop right now, scroll down to the link and make reservations – it is that good.

Here’s a look at our trip.  We chose the Starlight Tour which leaves at 5:30 PM on select Fridays and Saturdays from May through September.  If you are booking your trip for other months, be aware that the train runs year ‘round with a variety of special seasonal trips and varying times so don’t worry – there will be a great trip available for you, too. 

We arrived at the depot in Clarkdale, a small town located just a short drive from Cottonwood, and spent some time in their interesting gift shop before boarding the train.  (There is also a snack bar at the depot and you can eat there or take something onboard for later.)  Our tickets were for First Class but you can also choose Coach Class with Adult, Child and Senior tickets available.  Couples and others looking for a little quiet time should definitely consider the First Class option.

Once we boarded and settled into our comfy sofa-style seating, we were introduced to the amenities of the First Class car including a cash bar and the complimentary snacks which, for our trip, included hot wings, mini-sandwiches, a cheese and cracker selection plus my favorite, a fresh mozzarella and tomato salad.  After what the train staff calls their traditional “toast to a good ride” – your choice of champagne or sparkling apple juice – we were off. 

Red cliffs and molten gold mountaintops on the Verde Canyon route.

The train travels along the upper Verde River, through red rock canyons and past soaring cliffs colored orange and gold, sage and slate with bits of lavendar and rose thrown in for good measure.  Along the way, your bartenders and hosts will provide a running travelogue of sites set against a backdrop of original music.  You can stay in the enclosed car or for the best experience, enjoy your ride outside on the open-air viewing car.  During your journey, you’ll see ancient cliff-dwellings, bald eagle nests, and some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere.   If you’re lucky, you may spot an eagle gliding through the canyon or an elk stopping by the river for a cool drink.   There’s so much more but I want you to be surprised when you see it first-hand.

My favorite part of our journey was the nighttime ride back to depot when the only lights came from the seemingly millions of stars above and from the headlamps of the train reflecting off the canyon walls.  This is a ride I would love to take again - either a daytime trip in the Spring when the wildflowers are in bloom or perhaps one of their wine-tasting journeys. 

For online reservations visit their website here – Verde Canyon Railroad

Related posts:

1. Travel Arizona – “Cliffs,” Canyons and Cottonwood Eats Arizona offers lots of great travel options for players so when...
2. Gila River to Debut Exciting New Arizona Casino November 20 When the clock strikes 3 pm on November 20, the...
3. Casino Arizona Construction Update Casino Arizona is moving right along with construction of its...

Arizona offers lots of great travel options for players so when you can combine a casino trip with a train ride, spectacular scenery, a wealth of good food and a visit to a national monument, what’s not to like? Backstory – Last March, P.B. and I attended the Phoenix Suns’ “Suns and Stars Charity Event” at the Arizona Biltmore and bid on and won a travel package featuring two nights at the Best Western – Cottonwood and tickets for four people on the Verde Canyon Railroad. Using those two items, we put together a really fun trip with lots of indoor and outdoor activities – a trip that we highly recommend you consider for a quick getaway.

The First “Cliff” – Cliff Castle Casino

On our first day, we drove about an hour and a half on I-17 from Phoenix north to Cliff Castle Casino near Camp Verde and spent the morning playing video poker. This was our first visit to Cliff Castle and I was pleasantly surprised at the light and bright casino interior. There were lots of popular games in all different denominations as well as blackjack tables and a separate Poker Room. Along with the gaming floor, this casino also features a large bowling alley and an arcade for the kids.

Colorful, messy and soooo good.

As usual, I played videopoker and actually hit for $500 playing Triple Double Bonus on a quarter Triple Play machine so that was certainly a nice start to the trip. Ready for lunch after a couple of hours of play, we checked out the restaurant selections open mid-day and, in addition to a Johnny Rocket’s burger joint near the bowling lanes, the casino features two sit-down restaurants open for lunch, “The Gathering” and the one we chose – “The Gallery.” It was here that the real highlight of our visit occurred – my yummy Indian Fry Bread entree. For $6.99 I got this huge plate of hot fluffy fry bread topped with green chili beef, refried beans, loads of cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomato and more. Guacamole, sour cream and fresh salsa rounded out the plate. I HIGHLY recommend you try this. P.B. ordered a turkey, bacon and avocado Club sandwich – also $6.99 – and was very pleased with the over-stuffed ‘wich and the side of fresh summer fruit salad. We will definitely stop and eat here anytime our travels take us along I-17. Really, we would have been happy to spend the rest of the day here then concluded our visit with dinner at their fine-dining restaurant, “Storytellers,” but it was time to move on to our hotel in Cottonwood, check in, and then meet up with our friends for dinner.

Cottonwood Dining

Cottonwood, Arizona is a neat little town but you won’t see that charm until you drive past the Walmart, turn and head for the original downtown area. It’s so gratifying to see old buildings reinvigorated with hip new restaurants, cozy cafes and coffee bars, funky gift and antique shops, galleries and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering through the shops and admiring the handmade furniture and other unique items available for sale.

We were pleased to discover that we had lots of independent restaurants to choose from for our dinner that evening and we ended up very pleased with our choice of Nic’s Italian Steak and Crab House. Located in one of the renovated downtown buildings, Nic’s wouldn’t be out of place in any major city. The dark interior, tin ceilings and ornate bar reminded us of places we’d been in NYC and D.C. We had a slight wait for our table so headed to the bar where we found a nice selection of wines by the glass. Our table was ready almost immediately so we sat down to look over the menu with a basket of warm chewy artisan bread served with a plate of perfectly-seasoned dipping oil to keep us happy while we decided. As the name says, steaks, pasta and seafood rule the menu. Our group chose lobster ravioli, that night’s halibut special and two old favorites – veal parmigiana and veal Marsala. Dinners were served with a simple and fresh mixed green salad and the veal dishes included pasta sides while the halibut had grilled veggies as a go-along. All four entrees were quite good – the halibut well-seasoned and juicy, the ravioli bathed in a zippy pesto cream sauce, while both veal dishes were tender with generous portions of real veal scaloppini. The only off note was the night’s special pasta side which had a leaden sun-dried tomato and bacon sauce. The star of the evening was the dessert course. A trio of luscious creme’ brulees in apple, chocolate and vanilla flavors. We played “dueling spoons” trying to get to the last bits of cream in each ramekin.

Our hotel provided a light breakfast buffet so our only other in-town dining experience was at lunch the next day – a visit to The Tavern Grille in Old Town Cottonwood. Located across the street from Nic’s, we later discovered that the two restaurants share the same owners, Eric and Michelle Jurisin, who also own Jerome’s “Haunted Hamburger” and “Grapes Restaurant & Bar.” Again, they have done a terrific job of saving a down-on-it’s-luck building and giving locals and tourists alike a hip, casual dining spot. Lunch with our friends was even more tasty than our previous night’s dinner. This place has an extensive menu of appetizers, soups, sandwiches, salads, pastas, entrees and – if that’s not enough – combination plates featuring soups, salads or “mini sandwiches” – whew! We took our time over drinks to study the menu and finally decided on the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad for P.B., the lavosh “pizza” with Havarti cheese and artichokes and the SW Prime Rib Melt sandwich suited our friends while I ordered a combo consisting of the Bleu Cheese Wedge Salad and an order of the Prime Rib Sliders. Lunch was – in all ways – outstanding. The Ahi tuna salad was huge with an extremely generous portion of fresh-tasting fish along with mounds of crunchy veggies and greens. My bleu cheese wedge salad was huge – and this was a smaller portion? – and totally yummy. Great house-made dressing and no skimping on the bacon and other toppings. The prime rib in both my sliders and in my friend’s SW sandwich was tender and well-seasoned and, again, plentiful. The lavosh, crispy and hot – topped with scads of melted cheese and artichoke hearts – could have easily served a small army. Even with four people, we had to have half of it packaged up to go. Kudos to the chef and owners on this gem of a restaurant.

One more place you need to know about in Cottonwood – the newly-opened gelato cafe, A Scoop Above.

This little gem serves 25 flavors of homemade gelato that will rival anything you find in Phoenix or any large city, for that matter, and at a price that you will not believe. A buck a scoop. Yes, I said $1 a scoop for each 4-ounce serving of fresh gelato. My Rocky Road had at least a dollar’s worth of walnuts alone! In addition to the Rocky Road, we also had scoops of orange, chocolate and cherry flavors and all were quite good but I have to say that the R.R. was definitely the favorite. The servers and manager are all very friendly and eager to take care of you while the interior is just as bright and cheerful as the employees. There’s also a little play area for the kids with a miniature train running along the playroom walls. The whole place is just too cute and, really, they should be charging more for how good the stuff is!

Related posts:

1. Travel Arizona – “Cliffs” Part 2 – Ridin’ the Verde Canyon Railroad The Verde Canyon Railroad Trip I promise you that I...
2. Fall Foliage Trip to New Mexico & a Visit to Isleta Casino & Resort Don’t you just love autumn?  The stunning spectacle of leaves...
3. Debuting Our New Site — “AZ Casino Travel” We started this website, RoyallyFlushed, because we love giving people...

Entrance courtyard at the Radisson Fort McDowell.

Whether you are planning a visit to Phoenix or you live right here in the Valley, if you haven’t visited Fort McDowell Casino lately, now is the time to take advantage of a special player’s club discount and enjoy a fall stay at a great rate at the luxurious Radisson Fort McDowell Resort.  Spend the day enjoying the resort’s many amenities -spa, swimming pools, gourmet restaurant, golf at the nearby We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – then play the night away at the casino.

Brightly-colored liqueurs glow against the back-lit bar at Ahnala.

While you are at the resort, be sure to visit their restaurant, Ahnala.  The bar offers a pretty spot to settle in with a favorite cocktail or you can ask for a table on the patio and enjoy the beautiful fall weather while munching on appetizers or dinner.

Not already a player’s club member?  No problem – just visit the casino’s Fortune Club desk, show your ID and you’ll receive a personalized Fortune Club card that you can use immediately (the casino will even give you $10 to start you on your way).  This is the same card you can use to build up points when playing your favorite casino games.   Also, be sure and check out the entertainment calendar for fall since “The Fort” brings in lots of special events and performers.

The Fortune Club Room room rates for 2008/2009 are as follows:

• September 1st – December 30th – $109
• January 1st – March 31st – $139
• April 1st – May 31st – $129

Call or go online for reservations at  Radisson Fort McDowell Resort .

Related posts:

1. Fort McDowell Fall Events – Costumes & Country Music Looking for a fun Halloween party in the Phoenix area? ...
2. How To Turn a $25 Coupon into $1200 Sounds like an infomercial, doesn’t it?  The funny thing is...
3. Weekend Events Around Phoenix Casinos Lots of fun things to do this weekend in and...